Elementary News

This week definitely kept us on our toes with snow, cold temperatures, and virtual learning days mixed in. Our main goal throughout it all was keeping our kids safe, and we’re so thankful for the flexibility and support from our families as we made those calls. We know virtual days aren’t always easy, but we appreciate everyone working with us and helping students stay connected to learning. Our kids showed great resilience, and we’re grateful for the partnership that makes getting through weeks like this possible.

Feb. 3 - Pipe Creek PTO Meeting 3:30 pm

Feb. 4 - World Read Aloud Day

Feb. 5 - Mobile Dentist (Mac El Students - see below)

Feb. 10 - 13 COGAT Testing (Gr. K, 2, 5)

Feb. 14 - Happy Valentine's Day!

Feb. 16 - No School

Feb. 18 - 1st Grade Rockstar Day - 120 days celebration!

April 9 - Maconaquah Roundup @ Pipe Creek (see below) 4:30 - 6:00 pm

All Kindergarten, 2nd and 5th grade students will be administered the CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) as the initial screener in the High Ability identification process. If your child is in 1st, 3rd, or 4th grade, not already identified as High Ability, and you would like them to be screened, please email Mrs. Tidd at tidds@maconaquah.k12.in.us with an explanation as to why you feel they should be tested by February 2. Once the email is received, you will receive a response with a form to complete for the process.

If you have questions regarding high ability, the High Ability Program Description is available on the Maconaquah website under parent resources.

Senate Enrolled Act 185 prohibits students from using cell phones or other wireless communication devices such as smartwatches, earbuds, tablets, and gaming devices during instructional time UNLESS: Students have permission from their teacher to use the device(s) for educational purposes. Students have permission to use the device(s) in the event of an emergency. Students use the device(s) to manage their own healthcare. Students have special permission to use the device(s) as outlined in their IEP or 504 plan.

NOTE: Please contact the front office if you have a message to get to your child. Please see the information for Transportation Changes below.

If there is a change in your child's transportation, whether they will be picked up or riding a bus, it MUST be communicated with the front office. This can be done by sending a note to school or calling the office. If you call the office, please make sure you speak with a person. There is a central list at each elementary school, which allows us to check when students are unsure and the teacher may not be available. Do not just send a message to the teacher. The office MUST be notified. Thank you!

NOTE: Transportation changes should be in to the office by 2:00 pm.

Children’s Clothing Donations

The Pipe Creek Nurses' Closet is seeking donations of pants and shorts for both boys and girls.

• Sizes Needed: All sizes (3 months – Kids XL)

• Highest Priority: Sizes 4T through 8/10

Our "spare clothes" bin is frequently used as our youngest students develop their independence. Your donations ensure we can keep them clean, dry, and in class. Any help is greatly appreciated!

The dentist is coming to our Mac El on February 5th! The School Smiles on-site dental program provides comprehensive on-site dental care at our school for students that sign-up to participate. The dental team will set up inside our school to see students for dental cleanings. They accept Medicaid, private insurance, offer self-pay rates and grants through their foundation. Registration is now open online at https://schoolsmiles.com/student-signup/ with over 100 languages to choose from when completing the online form. As a reminder, School Smiles requires a new registration form be filled out each school year.

Devices will continue to be sent home every day. Families should ensure that the devices are fully charged and kept in their backpacks unless they are needed for school work.

We love having you visit our schools! To ensure the safety of all our students, anyone who wishes to volunteer or have lunch with their student must first complete a volunteer background check. You can find the link under the Parent Resources tab on our website.

A friendly reminder: for the safety of our students, please remember to bring your photo ID whenever you visit the school for any reason, including student pickup, lunch, or meetings.